SECAUCUS, N.J.—Panasonic has rolled out the
AW-RP120 full-size remote camera system controller, with the capability to
control cameras via Internet protocol and serial connections, to support the
company’s remote camera systems.

The AW-RP120 offers group presets for scene
changes, Tracing Memories for storage and recall of complex operations, SD
Memory Card storage and direct panel control of gain, pedestal and detail
settings. With an ergonomic control layout and a powerful feature set, the
AW-RP120 addresses a range of applications, the company says.

The controller can function with up to 100
Panasonic cameras via IP or five via RS-422 serial connections. Compatible
cameras include the AW-HE50H/S, AW-HE60H/S, AW-HE120, AW-HE100 and AW-HE2 HD
integrated PTZ cameras; plus the AK-HC1500, AK-HC1800, AW-HE870 and others when
used with appropriate pan/tilt heads.

The AW-RP120 supports flexible system
configurations and up to 100 presets (potentially one for each remote camera).
Selectable automatic IP address allocation simplifies large-scale systems. Any
of five AW-RP120 controllers on the network can select and control any
compatible IP-controlled camera, and the company says an RS-232C port enables
external control for systems employing programmed PC, Crestron, AMX or other third
party controllers. The Panasonic AW-HS50 compact switcher can also be linked via
IP connection.

The control panel features a pan/tilt
joystick, seesaw zoom lever, iris dial and manual focus dial with One-Touch
Autofocus. A speed adjustment dial is provided for each of the pan/tilt/zoom
and focus functions, and camera moves and scene operations can be recalled via the
unit’s Tracing Memory. Up to 10 Tracing Memory items can be stored per camera,
the company says up to 100 standard presets (including pan, tilt, zoom
position, focus, iris and white balance settings) can be stored and recalled
for each camera. By creating up to four Groups Presets (up to 10 cameras each)
multiple camera angles and settings can be retrieved in a single batch.

The remote controller permits direct
adjustment of a camera’s gain, shutter, detail, auto white balance, analog
baseband, master pedestal, R/B pedestal and R/B gain. Other menu functions of
compatible cameras can be also controlled, and the company says the controller
is equipped with an LCD panel for menu operation as well as dedicated zoom,
focus and iris indicator displays. Various functions can also be allocated to
eight user buttons for one-touch control. According to Panasonic, scene files
can be utilized for one-touch switching, and settings can be stored on memory card
for backup and cloning setups.

The AW-RP120 measures 13-1/2” x 3-1/16” by
10-17/16” and weighs just under seven pounds. The AW-RP120 will be available in
February, the company says.